UConn Nails A Bank Shot — M&T Secures Naming Rights Deal For Gampel Pavilion

STORRS, CT — Talk about a bank shot.

The University of Connecticut and M&T Bank have expanded their strategic partnership in a multimillion-dollar agreement that will rename the university's basketball arena the M&T Bank Center at Gampel Pavilion.

The agreement includes multiyear naming rights for the Storrs arena, which has been home to UConn basketball since opening in 1990. The expanded partnership also will support academic programs, student achievement, athletics and community initiatives across Connecticut and the region.

No dollar figure was disclosed.

M&T Bank, which has more than 100 branches in Connecticut, is the official bank of UConn and the UConn Huskies.

Michael Weinstock, M&T Bank’s regional president in Hartford, said the agreement represents a shared commitment to education, economic mobility and civic leadership.

The bank is "honored to become part of the arena’s legacy," which began with the support of Harry A. Gampel, Weinstock said.

UConn President Radenka Maric said the expanded agreement builds on an existing partnership that has benefited the university’s campuses and surrounding communities.

Maric also credited the state legislature and Gov. Ned Lamont with supporting improvements underway at Gampel Pavilion, saying the renovations will modernize the arena and enhance the experience for fans.

M&T Bank’s investment will complement those improvements while helping expand educational opportunities and support student success, she said.

The agreement comes as the state invests in renovations to the arena, which has hosted championship basketball teams, nationally televised games, commencement ceremonies, concerts and community events.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the improvements will provide UConn’s athletic programs with updated facilities while supporting the university’s broader educational mission.

"UConn is one of the best schools in the country, and these improvements on the Storrs campus support our overall commitment to strengthening Connecticut's higher education system," Lamont said.

UConn athletic director David Benedict said Gampel Pavilion has played a central role in the university’s basketball success and campus community for 36 years.

He said the partnership will help sustain the athletic department’s goals as college sports continue to change.

UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma said investments from corporate partners help the university compete at the highest levels.

Auriemma praised M&T Bank for increasing its support in Connecticut and said he hopes the agreement encourages other organizations to invest in UConn athletics.

Men's basketball coach Dan Hurley also welcomed the expanded partnership, saying the bank’s investment will support the university’s championship ambitions.

Beyond the naming rights, the multimillion-dollar agreement includes exclusive university-wide banking sponsorship covering UConn’s campuses and schools, designation as the official banking partner of the Huskies, support for student-athlete name, image and likeness opportunities, sponsorship of major university events, and co-branded credit and commercial cards.

The partnership also includes Connecticut-focused advertising, digital media, retail banking promotions and community engagement initiatives.

UConn and M&T Bank said the expanded relationship reflects their "shared commitment to higher education, athletics and community investment throughout Connecticut and New England," officials said.